Charli XCX is headed out on her highly anticipated Crash tour starting next month. As one of the most popular pop stars right now, fans are eagerly awaiting details on the opening acts for the tour. Good opening acts can really get the crowd excited and set the tone for an amazing headlining set. For big tours like this, the openers are often up-and-coming artists that the headliner hand picks to expose their music to a wider audience.
About Charli XCX
Charli XCX, whose real name is Charlotte Aitchison, is a 29-year-old British singer and songwriter. She first rose to fame with her 2013 hit “I Love It” with Icona Pop. Since then, she has released several successful albums and mixtapes full of avant-garde electropop music. Her latest album Crash came out earlier this year and explores themes of their feelings around the COVID-19 pandemic. Crash is full of high energy, synth-heavy tracks perfect for a live show.
The Crash Tour
The Crash tour kicks off in North America starting on March 26, 2022 in San Francisco. It will hit major markets like Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto and New York throughout April. Then Charli will head to Europe in May hitting cities like London, Paris, and Berlin. The tour wraps up in mid-June after over 40 shows.
It’s set to be an impressive stage production with lots of dynamic lighting and choreography. In a statement, Charli said “I’m so excited to reveal Crash: The Live Experience. This tour will be my biggest yet, with my most ambitious and rapturous show to date.”
Opening Act Rumors
Charli XCX has not yet announced who exactly will be opening the shows. However, there are some rumors swirling based on her previous tours and relationships with rising artists. Here are some of the frontrunners as potential opening acts on the Crash tour:
Dorian Electra
Dorian Electra is an American hyperpop/electropop artist who identifies as genderfluid. They have collaborated multiple times with Charli XCX, most recently on the track “Vroom Vroom” from Charli’s album Crash. This collaboration makes Dorian Electra seem like a probable opening act choice. Fans are also speculating Dorian Electra may make some guest appearances during Charli’s set.
LIZ
LIZ is a Korean-American singer and rapper signed to Charli XCX’s own label Vroom Vroom Recordings. She just released her debut album Planet Y2K in June 2022. LIZ has been heavily involved in Charli’s recent album, co-writing several Crash tracks. Her upbeat Y2K-inspired pop music would definitely match the vibe Charli is going for with this tour.
Rina Sawayama
British-Japanese pop singer Rina Sawayama emerged in recent years with strong critically acclaimed albums. She makes hyperpop and nu-metal inspired pop, similar in sound to Charli XCX’s recent work. Back in 2020, Charli and Rina released the collaborative single “Beg For You.” The two have remained close friends and Rina even modeled for Charli’s Crash album artwork. Many fans think Rina landing an opening slot makes perfect sense.
Danny L Harle
As a longtime collaborator, British producer Danny L Harle would be a natural fit for an opening act. He’s produced tracks for Charli including the songs “After the Afterparty” and “Superlove.” Danny L Harle’s high energy DJ sets incorporating his own avant-garde electronic tracks could really get the crowd ready for Charli. His unique sound matches well with the vibe of Crash.
Other Possible Openers
There are a few other lesser known artists that could potentially open the Crash tour dates as well. Charli XCX may choose to highlight some of her other past collaborators or up-and-coming artists in the alt-pop scene.
ALMA
Finnish singer ALMA has co-written tracks with Charli like “Out of My Head.” She brings her own flavor of Scandinavian electro-pop that could transition well into Charli’s setlist.
Kero Kero Bonito
This British band blends electropop with video game-inspired J-pop. They are currently signed to Charli’s Vroom Vroom Recordings. Their unique hyperpop sound has been growing, making them a viable opener.
Griff
British singer Griff was featured on the Crash track “New Shapes” along with Charli XCX and Caroline Polachek. The collaboration indicates Charli sees promise in this up-and-comer’s career.
A. G. Cook
As founder of the record label PC Music, A. G. Cook has collaborated with Charli on her more experimental projects like Pop 2 and How I’m Feeling Now. His abrasive hyperpop productions could prepare the crowd for Charli.
Fan Reactions
While the openers remain unannounced, Charli XCX fans have already been buzzing with speculation on social media. Here’s a look at some of the fan reactions:
Excitement for Possible Collaborators
Many fans seem enthusiastic about seeing past Charli collaborators potentially opening the show:
“Manifesting Dorian Electra as an opener!”
“Rina Sawayama opening would literally be a dream.”
“i need to see Danny L Harle’s DJ set open for her omg.”
Introducing New Artists
Some fans are looking forward to the chance to get familiar with new artists:
“I hope she picks some unknown rising artists to open. That’d be such a great platform for them.”
“Whoever she picks better be good! It’s gonna be my first time seeing Charli live.”
“I wanna know who’s opening so I can check them out. I hope they match Charli’s energy!”
Fan Theories
Die-hard fans are even spinning elaborate theories about possible opening act hints:
“Okay hear me out. Charli wore that Liz hoodie in those tour announcement pics…That CAN’T just be a coincidence.”
“She tagged ALMA in that one Crash tour post…pretty sure that’s a clue.”
“On her latest livestream there were Dorian Electra posters in the background! Case closed right?”
Conclusion
The opening slots for Charli XCX’s Crash tour are highly coveted. Fans are anxiously awaiting announcement of who will get the career boost of opening her shows. Dorian Electra, LIZ, Rina Sawayama and Danny L Harle seem to be frontrunners based on relationships with Charli. But she may also choose lesser known rising artists in the alt-pop scene. One thing’s for sure, Charli XCX has impeccable taste, so any artist she picks is bound to impress. Whoever ends up opening, the Crash tour is definitely going to be a must-see show this year.
Potential Opener | Background |
---|---|
Dorian Electra | Frequent Charli XCX collaborator, worked together on “Vroom Vroom” from Crash album |
LIZ | Signed to Charli’s label Vroom Vroom Recordings, co-wrote songs on Crash |
Rina Sawayama | British-Japanese singer, friends with Charli and modeled for Crash album art |
Danny L Harle | British producer, has produced tracks for Charli like “After the Afterparty” |
City | Venue | Date |
---|---|---|
San Francisco | Bill Graham Civic Auditorium | March 26, 2022 |
Portland | Theater of the Clouds | March 29, 2022 |
Vancouver | UBC Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre | March 30, 2022 |
Los Angeles | YouTube Theater | April 1, 2022 |
Fan Response | Sample Quote |
---|---|
Excited for collaborators | “Manifesting Dorian Electra as an opener!” |
Looking forward to discovering new artists | “I hope she picks some unknown rising artists to open.” |
Speculating based on theories | “She tagged ALMA in that one Crash tour post…clues!” |